Yesterday was my first day in the ProGen Study Group. For those who don't know what ProGen is, it is an online study group based on the book Professional Genealogy, edited by Elizabeth Shown Mills. We have reading assignments in the book, and have an online group discussion for one hour each month. We also have assigned homework, which we post in the forum and receive feedback from fellow participants.
We had our first discussion chat yesterday, and it went very well. We have our first assignment, too, which I will be working on in the next week or two, in between doing papers, taking quizzes, and doing a ton of reading in my university courses. It isn't due until the 30th, but I like to get some things done early, to make way for other things I need to get done!
The course was designed by professional genealogists to give upcoming genealogists -- who may or may not already be in practice in one way or another -- a leg up in our personal development and professional education. Subjects treated in the course -- and, of course, in the book -- range from ethics to research techniques to report-writing to business practices, and more. Most, if not all, of us aspire to certification as well. That's another journey I am beginning, and will be the subject of other blog posts.
Anyone who is practicing genealogy -- whether for themselves or for others, whether for pay or as a volunteer -- should read Professional Genealogy. It is an education.
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